YOSUDA WM-SE02 Foldable Water Rowing Machine: features and who it suits

The YOSUDA WM-SE02 is a water rowing machine for home use, built around a frame of solid beech wood. A sealed water tank provides the resistance, a monitor shows your session as you row, and the whole machine folds upright to take up less floor space. Here is how it works and what to think about before giving it a place at home.

How water resistance works

Inside the tank, paddles turn through the water as you pull the handle. Water pushes back harder the faster the paddles move, so the resistance follows your effort: a gentle pull feels light and a hard pull feels heavier, without a dial to set. Water rowers are also known for the swooshing sound each stroke makes.

On many water rowers, the amount of water in the tank also changes the feel, with more water making each stroke heavier. Check the manual for the fill range YOSUDA recommends.

The sealed tank

The WM-SE02 has an oversized tank, and YOSUDA says a patented seal means it doesn't need draining after use and doesn't leak when stored upright. That matters on a folding rower, because the tank tips up with the machine every time it's put away.

As with any water rower, the water stays in the tank between sessions. Water left standing in any tank can turn cloudy over time, so follow the manual's advice on water care.

A solid beech wood frame

The frame is FSC-certified solid beech wood. FSC certification means the wood comes from forests managed to the Forest Stewardship Council's standards. Beech is a dense, hard wood that's widely used for furniture, and the natural finish looks more like furniture than gym equipment, which suits a living room or bedroom.

YOSUDA says the frame supports up to 400 lb (about 181 kg) and fits users up to 6 ft 7 in (about 201 cm).

Seat, monitor and Bluetooth

The seat rolls on polyurethane rubber wheels for a smooth glide along the rail. Polyurethane wheels are generally quieter on a rail than hard plastic ones.

A monitor shows distance, rowing time, calories and more as you row. Calorie counts on any exercise machine are estimates rather than measurements. Built-in Bluetooth sends your workout data to an app on a phone or tablet, if you like to keep a record of your sessions or row along with an app.

Folding, moving and setup

The rower folds 180° to stand upright, so it takes up much less floor space when you're not rowing, and front wheels help you roll it into place. It arrives 98% pre-assembled, so YOSUDA says setup takes about ten minutes, and the brand offers a two-year parts replacement.

A water rower is heavier to move than an empty frame because of the water in the tank, so it's worth choosing a spot where it can stand upright and roll out on a smooth floor.

Who it suits

It suits people who want a rowing machine at home that looks like furniture and folds away, from beginners to experienced rowers. The upright folding suits flats and shared rooms where it can't stay set up all the time.

What to check before you buy

• Floor space: check the rower's length when set up, plus room at each end for the stroke.
• Ceiling and wall space: check the height when folded upright against the spot where it will stand.
• Height and weight: confirm each user is within 6 ft 7 in and 400 lb.
• Flooring: a mat under the rower protects floors and helps catch any drips while filling.
• App: check which apps the Bluetooth connection works with and whether they suit your phone or tablet.

The short version

• A water rowing machine with an FSC-certified solid beech wood frame.
• A sealed, oversized tank that YOSUDA says doesn't need draining and doesn't leak when upright.
• Supports up to 400 lb and fits users up to 6 ft 7 in.
• A monitor for distance, time and calories, with Bluetooth to a phone or tablet app.
• Folds 180° to stand upright, arrives 98% pre-assembled and comes with a two-year parts replacement.

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